The Healing Catalyst

Most of us think grief only happens when someone dies. But what about the loss of a body that doesn’t feel like yours anymore? A relationship that quietly became something different? A future you had counted on that is not coming? The uncertainty of the world right now, the instability, the feeling that something has shifted and nobody asked if you were okay with that? That’s grief too and most of us have never let ourselves call it that.Most of us are walking around carrying grief we have never named. And we can’t move through something we can’t see.In this episode, Dr. Avanti sits down with David Kessler, one of the world's foremost experts on grief and loss. He spent years working alongside Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and has since helped millions of people understand what grief really is. His definition is simple: grief is a change we did not want. And when you look at it that way, so many things you have been quietly carrying finally have a name.Together they explore why grief lives in the body, not just the mind. Why what so many of us are feeling about the world right now is real grief and deserves to be treated as such. What it actually means when people say grief is love with nowhere to go. And how meaning begins to emerge inside grief, not after it.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(07:56)What is grief and why is it far more common than you think(13:18) What "grief is love with nowhere to go" means in real life(15:39) How grief shows up in the body and where you might be holding it(21:11) Why the heaviness you feel about the world right now is grief(41:03) What being stuck is actually telling you(44:45) How to find meaning inside grief, not just after it(47:40) One practice to start moving through what you are carrying todayIf you have been carrying something heavy and never had the words for it, this episode will change that.About David Kessler:David Kessler is one of the world's foremost experts on grief and loss. He spent years working alongside Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and is the author of seven books, including his latest bestseller Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief and its companion workbook. His first book, The Needs of the Dying, received praise from Mother Teresa. He runs Tender Hearts, an online grief support community with more than twenty-five grief groups, leads one of the most respected Grief Educator Certification programs in the world, and is the founder of grief.com.Connect with David Kessler:Website: grief.comInstagram: @IAmDavidKesslerFacebook: @IAmDavidKesslerTender Hearts: davidkesslertraining.com/tenderheartsTraumatic Loss and Grief course: davidkesslertraining.com/traumatic-loss-griefConnect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsinghGet Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletterLeave a voice message for Dr. AvantiResources:Take the free Dosha Data Assessment to get your personalized Weekly Health Rx by Arvasi. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comOrder Dr. Avanti’s books: The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

You open your phone to check one thing. Thirty minutes later, you've read about six different crises, your chest is tight, your jaw is clenched, and you can't remember what you originally opened the phone to do. You know the scrolling is making you feel worse. And you do it anyway.Here's what no one is talking about: that's not a willpower problem. It's a nervous system problem. The same pattern that kept you safe as a child—the scanning, the absorbing, the holding—is now being hijacked by your phone. And it's compounding the inflammation that's already living in your tissues.In this solo episode, Dr. Avanti goes deeper than ever before, connecting the dots between emotional outsourcing, childhood patterns, media consumption, and the inflammation showing up in your body right now. Building on her recent conversation with Béa Albina, she shares her own story as a first-generation daughter and breast cancer survivor, and reveals why your inflammation has two sources, not one.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(00:00) Why your inflammation has two sources—and you've probably only been addressing one(07:16) The science of neuroception: how your body detects threat before your mind knows(10:07) Why scrolling is a nervous system problem, not a willpower problem(11:49) How doomscrolling symptoms mirror perimenopause symptoms(16:26) Why women are 2-3x more likely to develop autoimmune conditions(21:15) The difference between being informed and being consumed(21:45) Why healing yourself is one of the most generous things you can do(23:18) Five specific protocols to start todayThis episode will change how you think about your health, your scrolling habits, and your role in the collective healing we all need.Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsinghGet Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletterLeave a voice message for Dr. AvantiResources:Listen to Ep. 170: Emotional Outsourcing with Béa AlbinaTake the free Dosha Data Assessment to get your personalized Weekly Health Rx by Arvasi. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comOrder Dr. Avanti’s books: The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

"It works in the moment but twenty minutes later the anxiety is right back." "Breathing exercises aren't going to fix what's wrong with the world." "I actually felt something — genuine sadness — and then the heaviness came back."These are the real questions you sent us this month. And they deserve real answers — not generic FAQ responses, but answers from two physicians who understand your constitution, your biology, and what perimenopause is actually doing to your anxiety.This week, Dr. Kumar-Singh and Dr. Sethi answer the three biggest questions from the mood series on anxiety — starting with the dosha who asked each one, then breaking down how the same struggle shows up completely differently across all five constitutions.In this episode:Why "the anxiety comes right back" doesn't mean you're doing it wrong — and the specific change that stretches your window of calm from minutes to hoursThe honest answer to "this feels like a band-aid on a bullet wound" — why the doctors agree that breathing won't fix the world, and what it actually fixes that matters more than you thinkWhat it means when you feel something for the first time in months and then the heaviness returns — and why that moment is actually the most important sign the work is landingWhy every dosha's anxiety hits the same wall for completely different reasons — and what to do about it for YOUR constitutionWhat to keep from this series, what to let go of, and why listening to your episodes again will hit differently the second timePlus two announcements:Live sessions with Dr. Kumar-Singh and Dr. Sethi over the next two weeks — real-time support for your anxiety and nervous system, real-time answers, togetherThe FOCUS series is coming — concentration, memory, cognitive clarity — and why you can't fix attention without first addressing the anxiety underneath itThis is the final week of our four-week MOOD series on anxiety. Starting this week, all doshas are in one conversation — same science, same personalized prescriptions, together.Take the free Dosha Data Assessment at myarvasi.com and subscribe at @weeklyhealthrx.Finally — medicine that fits you.Follow Arvasi:Substack: @weeklyhealthrxInstagram: @myarvasiWebsite: myarvasi.comConnect with your hosts:Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh | InstagramDr. Tanmeet Sethi | Instagram

The gym membership you signed up for on January 2nd? You haven't been in weeks. The meal prep containers are still sitting in the cabinet, clean and unused. The habit tracker, the gratitude journal, the app that was going to change everything—blank. For weeks.And now you're not just disappointed. You're starting to wonder if something is wrong with you. Because everyone else seems to be able to do this. And you can't figure out why you can't.Nothing is wrong with you. You were set up to fail—and the science proves it.In this solo "Spark This" episode, Dr. Avanti gets personal about her own 8-week crash—one year after finishing breast cancer treatment—when she demanded her body bounce back and it said no. She breaks down the science of why resolutions collapse by late February (hint: only 8% of people ever achieve them), why your willpower isn't broken—it's depleted, and why trying to overhaul your life in the dead of winter is like trying to grow a garden in February and blaming yourself when nothing blooms.Drawing on Ayurveda, modern psychology, and circadian biology, she explains why the way you crashed is actually predictable based on your dosha—your unique mind-body constitution—and shares one specific thing each dosha type can do right now to stop the cycle and start working with their nature instead of against it.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(05:56) Why 92% of people are exactly where you are right now(08:21) Dr. Avanti's personal story of crashing after breast cancer treatment(13:20) The science of ego depletion and why willpower runs out after eight weeks(14:06) How your rest deficit is sabotaging your ability to change(15:23) Why winter is the worst time to push for transformation(17:21) The Ayurvedic perspective on late winter and working with the season(19:19) How each dosha crashes differently—and one thing your type needs right nowIf this episode made you exhale for the first time in weeks—you're not behind. You're not broken. You were just following the wrong prescription for your body. And now you have a better way forward.Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsinghGet Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletterLeave a voice message for Dr. AvantiResources:Take the free Dosha Data Assessment to get your personalized Weekly Health Rx by Arvasi. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comOrder Dr. Avanti’s books: The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

You know what to eat. You've read the books, bought the vegetables with good intentions. And yet—you inhale lunch at your desk and an hour later you're hungry again, like you never even ate. You cook the "healthy" meal and still feel bloated. The vegetables go bad in the drawer. Meal prep Sunday lasted two weeks before you were back to takeout and feeling like a failure.So maybe Ozempic is the answer? Everyone's talking about it. The idea of a shot that just turns off the food noise sounds like a miracle when you've tried everything else and nothing sticks.But here's what most people don't realize: Your body already makes GLP-1—the same hormone those medications mimic. So why isn't it working on its own? Because your satiety signals need the right conditions to function. And if you're rushing through meals, eating while stressed, or reaching for food to soothe difficult emotions, those signals get overridden. You can take the medication, but if your relationship with food stays the same, the results often don't last.In this episode, Dr. Avanti sits down with Dr. Erika Siegel, a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist with nearly two decades of experience in integrative and functional medicine. She's the author of The Nourish Me Kitchen—a two-volume set combining a functional medicine reference with 300+ whole-foods recipes, inspired by 15 years of listening to what her patients actually struggled with. After all that time in practice, Erika has seen it all: the overwhelm, the confusion, the women who know exactly what they "should" eat but still can't figure out why nothing works.Together, they explore why your nervous system state changes how your body digests food, what's actually happening with ghrelin, leptin, and GLP-1 (and why rushing through meals short-circuits the whole system), what an integrative physician really thinks about Ozempic—and when it might actually make sense, the simple shift of eating fiber first and why it matters for blood sugar, and why cooking at home isn't just about better ingredients—it's about changing your relationship with food itself.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(06:45) Why eating "healthy" foods in a stressed state leaves you bloated and unsatisfied(15:50) How your brain needs 15-20 minutes to register fullness (and what happens when you eat faster)(18:54) The truth about GLP-1: your body already makes it, so why isn't it working?(26:25) The order you eat your meal matters—and it's simpler than you think(33:24) Why deepening your relationship with your food actually helps(48:34) One small shift that can change your entire relationship with foodBy the end of this episode, you'll understand that why and how you eat matters just as much as what you eat—and you'll have simple, practical shifts you can start today to help your body's natural satiety signals actually work.About Dr. Erika Siegel:Dr. Erika Siegel is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist with nearly two decades of experience in integrative and functional medicine. Known for her whole-person, East-meets-West approach, she blends ancient healing traditions with evidence-based practices. She is the author of The Nourish Me Kitchen, a two-volume set combining a functional medicine reference with a whole-foods cookbook, inspired by over 15 years of patient care. Her work is rooted in the belief that the body holds an innate ability to heal when given the right support.Connect with Dr. Erika Siegel:Instagram: @dr.erikasiegelWebsite: www.nourishme.comYouTube: @nourishmekitchenLinkedIn: Dr. Erika SiegelBook: Nourish Me Kitchen Book Set, AboutConnect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsinghGet Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletterLeave a voice message for Dr. AvantiResources:Take the free Dosha Data Assessment to get your personalized Weekly Health Rx by Arvasi. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comOrder Dr. Avanti’s books: The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Only 9% of people achieve their New Year's resolutions—and nearly 80% have given up by the third week of January. In this episode, Dr. Avanti shows you a different path: one that leads to sustainable change, a regulated nervous system, and alignment that feels like coming home to yourself.In this solo episode, Dr. Avanti shares the powerful reframe that changed how she approaches the new year—and why the "new year, new you" mindset is actually setting most of us up to fail. The problem isn't willpower. It's framing.Dr. Avanti walks you through three science-backed shifts: from self-improvement to self-alignment, from goals to feelings, and from the calendar to nature's rhythm. She also shares her "highest self" visualization practice and explains why—in an age of AI and wearable trackers—understanding your dosha (your unique mind-body constitution) is more important than ever.What You'll Learn in This Episode:(00:59) Why resolutions fail—and what to do instead(01:55) The physiology of why "fixing yourself" backfires(07:52) How to visualize and embody your highest self(14:15) Why choosing feelings over goals leads to lasting change(17:03) Why January isn't the time to push harder(22:31) What AI and wearables can't tell you about your health(23:49) How knowing your dosha fills the gapThis episode is your permission slip to release the pressure, honor the season you're in, and enter 2026 from a place of alignment—not lack. Whether you're tired of the resolution cycle or ready for an approach that actually works with your body, Dr. Avanti shows you how to come back to yourself.Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsinghGet Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletterLeave a voice message for Dr. AvantiResources:Take the free Dosha Data Assessment to get your personalized Weekly Health Rx by Arvasi. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comOrder Dr. Avanti’s books: The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Are you constantly striving… but still feeling unfulfilled?Does success come at the cost of your sleep, your health, or your peace?If you’ve ever found yourself burned out from the hustle—or stuck in a cycle of chasing more while feeling less—you’re not alone. So many of us were taught that our worth is measured by how productive we are. But there’s another way to live. A way to be ambitious without abandoning your health and well-being.In this episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh is joined by author, executive coach, and leadership trainer, Amina AlTai to unpack the interplay between ambition, health, and personal fulfillment. Amina shares how to find purposeful ambition—the kind that fuels your soul and protects your health. She also breaks down the core beliefs that drive burnout, how to recognize when your nervous system is stuck in overdrive and how to easily regulate it, and what it takes to redefine success on your own terms.You’ll walk away with practical tools to regulate your inner fire, reconnect with your purpose, and stop sacrificing your body for your goals.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(08:13) Why ambition alone isn’t the problem—and what is(11:45) The warning signs that your body is burning out before it shuts down(13:19) What “purposeful ambition” looks and feels like (and how to find yours)(17:41) How to shift from proving yourself to honoring yourself(38:47) Ayurvedic insights for balancing Pitta energy and ambition(40:13) How to regulate your nervous system when your inner fire is running too hot(43:11) The daily practices that help turn ambition into healing(48:52) How to redefine success in a way that sustains your health—not sabotages itThis episode is your guide to transforming ambition from something that depletes you… into a practice that heals and sustains you.About Amina AITai:Amina AlTai is an executive coach, leadership trainer, proud immigrant, and chronic illness advocate. She works at the intersection of ambition and well-being, guiding high-performing founders, creatives, and executives toward lives of meaningful impact and sustainable success. She is the bestselling author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living, and a coach to leaders at companies like Google, Meta, Roku, Snap, Outdoor Voices, NYU, and HUGE.Named one of Success Magazine’s Women of Influence, Amina is also an Entrepreneur Magazine expert-in-residence and a Forbes contributor. Her work has been featured in goop, Well+Good, The New York Times, Yahoo, NBC, Adam Grant’s Next Big Idea Club, and more.Connect with Amina AITai:Instagram: @aminaaltaiWebsite: https://www.aminaaltai.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminaaltai/ Book: The Ambition TrapConnect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Leave a voice message for Dr. AvantiExplore Arvasi — Dr. Avanti’s Ayurvedic platform. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comResources:Order Dr. Avanti’s books:  The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quizExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

In this practical and empowering episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh sits down with Dr. Jen Ashton—board-certified OB-GYN, nutritionist, obesity-medicine specialist, and four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist—to explore the science of weight management and strength in midlife.Together, they unpack how shifting hormones, changing metabolism, and lifestyle habits affect women’s health in their 40s, 50s, and beyond—and what truly works to stay strong, energized, and balanced.Drawing on Dr. Ashton’s medical expertise and her own six-month Wellness Experiment, they discuss how women can combine evidence-based science, smart movement, and self-compassion to thrive through perimenopause and menopause.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(03:17) Why midlife weight gain happens—and how hormones like estrogen, cortisol, and testosterone influence metabolism(13:58) How Ayurvedic principles of balance, rhythm, and individuality align with modern science on women’s metabolism and longevity(18:58) How to balance strength training, cardio, and recovery to optimize energy and results(30:33) How variety and intensity (not restriction) are essential for healthy weight management and long-term vitality(43:17) Why adaptability—not perfection—is the foundation for sustainable health(47:26) The role of creatine in supporting muscle, metabolism, and brain health—and how to use it safely(52:07) Why Dr. Ashton’s one simple wellness tip, to start doing today, is meditationThis episode is your science-backed guide to weight management and strength in midlife—showing how adaptability, balance, and variety can help you feel strong, confident, and fully alive at every stage.About Dr. Jen Ashton:Dr. Jennifer Ashton is the founder and President of Ajenda, a multimedia company centered around weight management, women’s health and nutrition. She is the creator of Ajenda’s Wellness Experiment, a daily nutrition, fitness and health program designed specifically for women over 50. One of the only physicians with a national platform who is credentialed in nutrition, obesity medicine and gynecology, Dr. Ashton is the former ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent where she was the first woman and only the third physician to hold this position in the history of the network. A graduate of Columbia College and Columbia Medical School, she is board-certified in Ob-Gyn and Obesity Medicine, is a 4-time Emmy Award winner for her work in medical reporting and has received the Columbia Alfred DuPont Award for Excellence in Journalism and the American Heart Association’s Woman of the Year Award for her work on women’s health advocacy.  She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association and is the author of six books, including the national best-seller, The Self Care Solution. Connect with Dr. Jen Ashton:Instagram: @drjashton / @joinajendaWebsite: https://www.joinajenda.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjashtonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jennifer-ashton-354576204/Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Leave a voice message for Dr. AvantiExplore Arvasi — Dr. Avanti’s Ayurvedic platform. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comResources:Order Dr. Avanti’s books:  The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quizExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Artificial Intelligence is changing everything—including how we care for our minds and bodies. But how do we make sense of its growing role in healthcare without losing the human connection that healing depends on?In this powerful episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh sits down with Poonacha Machaiah, CEO of the Chopra Foundation and co-founder of Cyberhuman.ai, to unpack the evolving role of AI in mental health, loneliness, and preventive care. From AI-powered wellness coaches and personalized health dashboards to emotional support through chatbots and even therapeutic applications in the metaverse, this episode explores how technology can be a tool for healing—if used consciously.Dr. Avanti and Poonacha also discuss the risks, the ethical questions, and what it means to keep intuition and empathy at the center of care, even as tech continues to accelerate.AI isn’t here to replace healthcare—it’s here to reimagine it. And when used consciously, it has the power to move us from reactive treatment to personalized, proactive, and deeply connected care.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(00:00) Welcome Poonacha Machaiah of the Chopra Foundation(06:50) Why AI is already part of your health journey—whether you realize it or not(08:52) How AI is being used to address mental health and loneliness at scale(10:52) What “conscious technology” means—and why it matters now more than ever(14:27) Why behavior change needs more than good advice—it needs smart, contextual nudges(18:45) How Personalized Medicine and Data-Driven Health has roots in Ayurveda(26:35) How platforms like Cyberhuman.ai are creating AI-powered tools for personalized wellbeing(27:55) How wearable tech and AI-powered dashboards can support preventive care(30:55) The surprising connection between gaming, mental health, and the next generation of healing(36:59) Why human intuition and empathy must remain central—even in an AI-driven futureIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or skeptical about AI in medicine, this conversation will shift your perspective—and show you how AI might just help us reconnect to what really matters in health: awareness, agency, and human connection.About Poonacha Machaiah:Poonacha Machaiah is the CEO of The Chopra Foundation, a mission-driven organization committed to enhancing personal, societal, and planetary well-being. A visionary leader at the intersection of technology and consciousness, Poonacha co-founded Cyberhuman.ai—a pioneering personal AI digital well-being companion—and Seva.Love, a transformative metaverse platform for healing and mindfulness. Both ventures were launched in collaboration with best-selling author and mind-body medicine pioneer, Dr. Deepak Chopra.Poonacha also leads initiatives like NeverAlone®, a global mental health movement focused on suicide prevention and emotional resilience, and Peak Living, which celebrates the synergy of intergenerational wisdom and vitality.With a background in engineering and business, Poonacha has held leadership roles at global tech companies including Nortel, Iridium, Motorola, and Sasken, where he helped shape emerging technology landscapes. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering, and an MBA from the College of William and Mary.Through his work, Poonacha continues to champion the conscious use of technology as a force for healing, inclusion, and global impact.Connect with Poonacha Machaiah:Instagram: @poonachaWebsites: ChopraFoundation,  Cyberhuman.ai,  DeepakChopra.ai,  Seva.LoveYouTube: TheChopraWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poonachamachaiah/Medium: https://medium.com/@poonachaConnect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Leave a voice message for Dr. AvantiExplore Arvasi — Dr. Avanti’s Ayurvedic platform. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comResources:Order Dr. Avanti’s books:  The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quizExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

In this episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh sits down with Dr. Sameena Rahman—OB/GYN, sexual medicine specialist, and menopause expert—for a candid, compassionate conversation about women’s sexual health in midlife.They explore common yet often unspoken changes like decreasing libido, hormonal shifts, painful sex, recurrent UTIs, and the mental load that can silently chip away at sexual desire. Dr. Rahman explains how hormones, mental health, and social factors intersect during midlife—and why understanding these changes is essential for reclaiming your pleasure, comfort, and agency.From menopause and pelvic floor dysfunction to treatment options that actually work, this episode is about removing the stigma, replacing shame with science, and equipping women with the knowledge they deserve.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(10:28) Why “our brain is our biggest sexual organ” and how mindset affects desire(11:53) The biopsychosocial factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction in midlife(12:48) How the mental load of the “sandwich years” impacts libido, especially in heteronormative relationships(18:41) The ripple effects of estrogen changes on mood, skin, heart health, and cognitive function(20:53) What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is, and why it matters(23:54) How shifts in estrogen and testosterone contribute to vaginal dryness, discomfort, and more UTIs after menopause(26:34) How local estrogen therapy and vaginal DHEA can improve vaginal health and even be life-saving(33:05) The difference between precision medicine and patriarchal medicine(34:09) Pelvic floor dysfunction: symptoms, treatment, and why therapy matters(34:53) Why your jaw and pelvis are more connected than you think(41:31) How hormonal birth control can affect libido and sexual function(47:17) The gut health-sexual health connection(50:54) Why knowing your anatomy is a radical act of empowermentThis episode is your guide to understanding the complex, interconnected reasons why libido often changes during midlife, and what you can do about it. From hormonal shifts and pelvic floor dysfunction to the invisible weight of emotional labor, Dr. Rahman breaks down the science, the stigma, and the solutions. Whether you’re navigating menopause, exploring treatment options, or simply ready to feel more connected to your body, this conversation offers clarity, empowerment, and hope.About Dr. Sameena RahmanDr. Sameena Rahman is a board-certified OB/GYN, menopause specialist, and fellowship-trained expert in sexual medicine. She is the founder of the Center for Gynecology and Cosmetics in Chicago, where she provides compassionate, trauma-informed, evidence-based care for women at every stage of life. An ISSWSH Fellow and Certified Menopause Practitioner through the North American Menopause Society, she also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of OB/GYN at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.Previously, she served on the faculty at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, worked on international medical missions, and collaborated with the World Health Organization in Switzerland. Dr. Rahman is a member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board and the Advisory Board for Flo Health, and her expertise has been featured in Forbes Health, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, Women’s Health, Yahoo! Life, Parents.com, PopSugar, VeryWell Health, and WGN TV. She hosts the podcast Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones, where she tackles taboo topics in women’s health with clarity and candor.Connect with Dr. Sameena Rahman:Instagram: @gynogirlWebsite: CGC ChicagoPodcast: Podcast:  Sex, Drugs & HormonesLinkedIn: Sameena Rahman, MDYouTube: GynoGirl TVInternational Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health: https://www.isswsh.org/Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Leave a voice message for Dr. AvantiExplore Arvasi — Dr. Avanti’s Ayurvedic platform. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comResources:Order Dr. Avanti’s books:  The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quizExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

In this essential episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh is joined by OB-GYN and menopause expert Dr. Jila Senemar to break down the myths, science, and emotional realities of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.Together, they discuss why so many women feel unprepared—and often misdiagnosed—during this time of life, and why hormonal changes are frequently mistaken for mental health issues or stress. Dr. Jila provides clear, clinical definitions of perimenopause and menopause, walks us through what’s happening with hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and shares why symptoms such as anxiety, memory lapses, weight gain, and even autoimmune flare-ups are part of a much bigger picture.The conversation dives into the myths around hot flashes, the surprising symptoms no one talks about, and why menopause is a health milestone that affects your heart, bones, brain, and long-term vitality. Dr. Jila also shares actionable tips around movement, nutrition, mindset, and hormone therapy, making this a compassionate and science-informed guide to thriving in midlife.Whether you're just starting to notice changes, feeling overwhelmed by symptoms, or want to better support someone you love, this episode is the clear, grounded starting point we all need.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(06:15) Why hormone therapy (HRT) was misunderstood for years—and what we now know(10:54) Clear definitions of perimenopause, menopause, and the timeline in between(27:20) How subtle symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and brain fog are hormonal—and often missed(29:30) Understanding the hormonal shifts of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone(32:32) The surprising link between postpartum depression and menopause(33:11) How menopause affects mental health—and what you can do about it(35:17) Ayurvedic insights into the hormonal transition of menopause(37:20) Why weight gain in midlife is tied to insulin resistance and hormonal fluctuation(42:56) The role of HRT and GLP-1s in managing metabolic changes during menopause(45:57) Longevity and menopause: how this transition impacts heart, brain, bone, and metabolic health(48:46) How menopause can trigger or worsen autoimmune symptoms(50:41) Sleep disruption: what causes it and how to improve it during perimenopauseThis episode is your guide to understanding the stages of menopause, recognizing overlooked symptoms, and making informed choices about hormones, mood, weight, and long-term health.About Dr. Jila Senemar:Dr. Jila Senemar, M.D., FACOG is the founder of JilaMD, a concierge women’s health practice focusing on perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, metabolic optimization, and longevity science. She is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 20 years of clinical experience dedicated to advancing women's health. She earned her M.D. at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her residency and chief residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.Dr. Jila has held academic roles at the University of Miami and Florida International University, and served as Associate Medical Director of OB-GYN Triage at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She is also the founder of The Miami Menopause Collective and EmpowHer Miami, two initiatives focused on education and empowerment during midlife. An active member of the North American Menopause Society, the Florida Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Jila blends clinical excellence with a deeply compassionate, patient-centered approach. Her work is grounded in the latest research, personalized care, and a mission to help women embrace vitality through all phases of life.Connect with Dr. Jila Senemar:Instagram: @drjilasenemarWebsite: www.jilamd.comPodcast: Her Time, Her HealthConnect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Leave a voice message for Dr. AvantiResources:Order Dr. Avanti’s books:  The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quizExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Hi, I’m Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh.And if you’re tired of feeling dismissed, confused, or stuck when it comes to your health, you're in the right place. Because healing isn’t just possible — it’s in your power. And it's time to take it back.I’m a medical doctor with over 20 years of experience and I’m also a lifelong practitioner of Ayurveda, the medicine of my ancestors. And I’ve spent my career in medicine living at the intersection of modern science and ancient wisdom, integrating both to help people heal. I believe that real healing comes from aligning with nature and the full picture of who you are — body, mind, and spirit.As a South Asian woman and physician, I bring a perspective that’s not often represented in the world of integrative medicine — one that values intuition as much as evidence, and honors the complexity of who you are, not just the symptoms you carry.I created The Healing Catalyst Podcast because we all deserve a different kind of conversation about health — one that’s honest, holistic, and rooted in both science and soul.On this podcast, I’m joined by the world’s leading experts, researchers, and thought leaders in integrative medicine and mind-body healing, to simplify the science and share meaningful insights around topics like the gut microbiome, nervous system regulation, hormonal balance and menopause. On this show, I’ll give you science-backed tools and practices that you can use starting today — not just theories to think about. Because my goal is to help you build daily habits to support your health…, so you can stop chasing symptoms and start living with more vitality.Make sure you hit follow right now to listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.I'm so glad you’re here. Now let’s get to it.Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcastListen to more episodes on your favorite platformWatch clips and past episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Leave a voice message for Dr. AvantiExplore Arvasi — Dr. Avanti’s Ayurvedic platform. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.comResources:Order Dr. Avanti’s books:  The Longevity Formula, The Health CatalystEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quizExplore more at avantikumarsingh.comThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

In this episode, Dr. Avanti and Dr. Tanmeet wrap up their series on the science of longevity by exploring the final three mechanisms of aging: senescent cells, stem cell exhaustion, and inflammaging. They break down how these processes drive aging and offer practical strategies to counter their effects. From the importance of detoxification and fasting to Ayurvedic practices for reducing inflammation and improving cellular health, this conversation bridges ancient wisdom and modern science. Tune in to uncover simple, actionable steps to support your body’s natural defenses and live a healthier, more vibrant life. Today on The Healing Catalyst: Explore how senescent cells, also known as "zombie cells," disrupt cellular health and longevity. Learn how movement, fasting, and lifestyle choices can mitigate stem cell exhaustion. Understand how chronic low-grade inflammation, or inflammaging, impacts every mechanism of aging. Discover Ayurvedic approaches to detoxification that support balance and vitality. Gain practical insights into using anti-inflammatory foods and spices to nourish your gut and enhance overall health. Connect with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanmeetsethimd/?hl=es (https://www.instagram.com/tanmeetsethimd/?hl=es) Website: https://www.tanmeetsethimd.com/ (https://www.tanmeetsethimd.com/) Book: https://www.tanmeetsethimd.com/joyismyjustice (https://www.tanmeetsethimd.com/joyismyjustice) Resources: Pre-order Dr. Avanti’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/Longevity-Formula-Ayurvedic-Principles-Inflammation-ebook/dp/B0D12VJGNR (The Longevity Formula) https://www.avantikumarsingh.com/quiz (Take the Energy Fix Quiz) https://www.avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter (Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter) Connect with Dr. Avanti: Subscribe, Rate and Review https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healing-catalyst/id1511096733 (The Healing Catalyst) podcast https://www.youtube.com/@AvantiKumarSingh (Watch the episodes on YouTube) https://www.avantikumarsingh.com/podcast-content (Listen to more episodes) on your favorite platform https://www.instagram.com/avantikumarsingh/?hl=en (Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram) Explore more at https://www.avantikumarsingh.com/ (avantikumarsingh.com) https://bit.ly/3MbcaSW (Leave a voice message) for Dr. Avanti The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This show is produced by Synchro Social